Composite Veneers

Instead of a lab-made shell, composite resin is applied to the tooth in layers and sculpted by hand, then cured with light and polished. Everything happens in one appointment, and in most cases little or no tooth structure is removed.

How it's done

1. 01

   Shade selection

   Composite shades are matched to the surrounding teeth, or to the target shade if whitening comes first.

2. 02

   Surface preparation

   The enamel is cleaned and etched. Often nothing is drilled away at all.

3. 03

   Layering

   Resin is placed and shaped freehand, building contour and edge translucency in increments.

4. 04

   Curing and shaping

   Each layer is light-cured, then the finished surface is contoured with fine burs.

5. 05

   Polishing

   A multi-stage polish gives the surface its shine, and determines how long it resists staining.

Who it suits

Younger patients, small chips and gaps, and anyone who wants a reversible option or a trial run before committing to porcelain.

Where it falls short

Composite stains and dulls over time and typically needs repolishing every couple of years and replacing after five to seven. Porcelain holds its surface far longer.

Recovery

None. You leave the chair finished and can eat and drink normally the same day.